HI should honour Zail Singh's contribution: Tarlochan

Lauding late Indian President Giani Zail Singh for boosting hockey during his stint as Chief Minister of Punjab, IOA Vice-President Tarlochan Singh today said Hockey India should have honoured the former Punjab Chief Minister's memory while felicitating the 1975 World Cup-winning team.

Giani Zail Singh was the Chief Minister of Punjab when the Indian team went for the World Cup and Tarlochan credited him for providing the the side with all the support.

"I praise you for what you are doing for promotion of Hockey. It's good you are honouring players for 1975 World Cup. I may hear and for your information that it was due to vision and efforts of Giani Zail Singh ji the then Chief Minister of Punjab that India could win the World Cup and glory in the sports," Tarlochan said in a statement.

"The entire expense was borne by him. He personally supervised the training and did not allow any outside pressure for selection of the team," he added.

Tarlochan suggested that an award should be instituted to honour Singh's memory.

"...we should also honour the memory of Giani Zail Singh and keep some special award in his name. By doing this you will encourage others who come forward to promote sports in India," he said.